Yoon Meets Aquilino, US Indo-Pacific Commander... Emphasizes Importance of Practical ROK-US Joint Exercises

President Yoon "Indo-Pacific Command Urged to Closely Cooperate in Strengthening South Korea's Extended Deterrence Capability"
Commander Aquilano "Indo-Pacific Command Will Make Every Effort to Defend South Korea"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] On the 6th, President Yoon Suk-yeol met with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Commander John Aquilino to discuss strengthening extended deterrence and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

President Yoon, during his meeting with Commander Aquilino at the Yongsan Presidential Office in the afternoon, emphasized the importance of practical ROK-U.S. joint exercises, stating that the ROK-U.S. alliance is key to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, according to a written briefing by Presidential Office Deputy Spokesperson Lee Jae-myung.

President Yoon also mentioned that restoring ROK-U.S. joint exercises enhances strong deterrence against North Korea and contributes to maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.

President Yoon stressed, "The successful conduct of the ROK-U.S. joint naval exercises with the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group’s visit to Korea is clear evidence of the United States’ strong extended deterrence capability."

He expressed gratitude to Commander Aquilino for his active cooperation in the Carrier Strike Group’s visit and requested that the Indo-Pacific Command continue to closely cooperate in effectively implementing the South Korean government’s measures to strengthen extended deterrence capabilities.

In response, Commander Aquilino said, "The Ronald Reagan’s return and its detour to conduct joint exercises demonstrate the United States’ firm defense commitment to South Korea," adding, "If North Korea conducts a nuclear test, I will board a ship and come here immediately, no matter where I am."

Commander Aquilino further emphasized, "The ROK-U.S. alliance is stronger than ever, and the Indo-Pacific Command will do everything possible to defend the Republic of Korea."

Also present at the meeting were Philip Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, and Scott Ployce, Deputy Commander of U.S. Forces Korea.